Eight young people on the Violence Reduction Network’s (VRN) Champions programme have received online safety training in Accrington.
The workshop was delivered by staff from BT and EE, who deliver the sessions free of charge to young people across the country.
Promoting safer online use, the workshops equipped the young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world securely. It covered essential topics such as social media safety, media usage, and how posting online could affect them in the future.
Champions Mentor, Courtney Picot said: “Living through lockdown has shown us how crucial technology and social media are to keeping in contact with friends and family, yet we have to be mindful that the online world is always changing, and risks are ever evolving.
Being able to offer our young people the opportunity to learn more about the online world means that we can contribute to a safer and more informed generation and I’m incredibly proud of everyone that took part in the session.”
Using active participation, Q&A sessions and experience sharing, the day left the young people with a heightened awareness of online safety, ready to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.
The session took place at Accrington Stanley Community Trust and was attended by individuals aged 11-17 who are involved with the programme.
A teenager from Fleetwood has proved the importance of mentorship for young people after engaging with the Champions programme.
Champions mentor, Gary Smith, met with a young man who was referred for a drug dependency and aggressive behaviour at home which was affecting both his family relationships and his own wellbeing.
After initially being resistant to the support being offered, the 15-year old’s participation gradually evolved as he developed a rapport with his mentor, Gary.
Gary said: “My work is fundamentally about establishing relationships of trust with young people and helping them make positive decisions.”
“By treating every young person I meet with the respect they deserve, rather than just as a troublesome individual going through the system, I can help them to develop skills, resilience and a positive attitude which ultimately helps them to fulfil their full potential.”
After expressing a desire to earn his own money, the teen worked with Gary to successfully set up a car washing initiative at school. This newfound sense of purpose gained positive recognition from both teachers and staff at his school.
This positive behaviour change led to him being offered a full-time placement at 4 Tech moto, an alternative provision in Blackpool which provides vocational training in Motorcycle and Motor vehicle engineering.
Gary added: “Being able to give young people opportunities like this through the Champions programme is invaluable. It shows that with the right guidance and opportunities, individuals do have the potential for positive change.”
The Champion’s programme was set up by the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network and nine football club community organisations to support young people and prevent them entering the criminal justice system.
Champions mentors like Gary, work with people aged 10-25 across Lancashire on a daily basis with the aim of preventing and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
We are delighted to announce that the Champions programme has its first ever first team player ambassador. Sean McConville from Accrington Stanley has shown his support for the programme in this exciting next step.
Champions mentors across Lancashire work with young people to help them achieve their potential through relevant activities, support services and opportunities.
Champions Mentor, Millie Hall said: “A handful of young people were invited in during half-term to take part in activities at the hub. Whilst playing a game of FIFA, a group of first team players pulled up chairs and sat and interacted with the boys, making their morning!”
“I’m grateful to Sean for lending us his time. Just a short conversation with him and his teammates had the young people reflecting on their actions. After seeing the effect this short interaction had on our clients, I was keen to explore the opportunity for further player interactions.”
After a discussion with David Clarke, VRN Champions Programme Manager, the decision was made to try and get a player involved as an ambassador to further support the programme and continue having positive interactions.
Accrington Stanley is the first club out of nine to have a player ambassador, a huge achievement for the club and programme, Millie Hall stated, “The hope is that this appointment will inspire other clubs to get involved”.
Sean McConville commented, “Being the Social Inclusion Ambassador is a great honour. It’s great to see the work the Community Trust carries out in the local community. This programme allows the young people to reflect on their behaviour and with the help of the mentors, make a positive change to their lives. I look forward to seeing more young people in the local area benefiting from this programme.”
In partnership with the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network and Preston North End Community Trust, the Champions programme has helped put youth client, Aiden, on the right path for his future.
Find out more about the work PNECT have done with Aiden in the video below.
The Champions programme helps reduce anti-social behaviour, build confidence and raise aspirations among young people across Lancashire.
To find out more about the programme, please click here.
“I’ve matured up now, got a bit older and seen what is right and wrong. Before the Champions programme I wasn’t listening to anyone but I’m starting to listen a bit more and take on board what people are saying.” – Aiden, Champions Youth Client at Preston North End.